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Toxicity of vancomycin on corneal endothelium in rabbits
F D Sandboe1, W Medin, R Bjerknes
1University Eye Department, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Purpose:
To evaluate the toxic effect of vancomycin on the corneal endothelium related to concentrations of vancomycin.
Methods:
The toxic effect is assessed with a weighing method that gives a measure of endothelial function. Thirty-three rabbit corneas were divided into four groups. Three groups of seven corneas each were exposed to concentrations of 1.0 mg/ml, 3.0 mg/ml and 5.0 mg/ml vancomycin, respectively. The fourth group of twelve corneas served as a control group.
Results:
The corneas exposed to 1.0 mg/ml vancomycin showed no significant weight increase, while the corneas exposed to 3.0 mg/ml and 5.0 mg/ml showed a significant weight increase as compared to the control corneas. The weight increase was significantly larger in the group of corneas exposed to 5.0 mg/ml as compared to 3.0 mg/ml.
Conclusions:
In the interval of tested concentrations there is a dose response relationship between vancomycin concentrations and endothelial toxicity. This experiment shows that vancomycin in the concentration of 1.0 mg/ml is non-toxic to the endothelium, while 3.0 mg/ml and 5.0 mg/ml increasingly impair endothelial function.
Insights
Vancomycin toxicity to the corneal endothelium was studied. Higher vancomycin concentrations (3.0 and 5.0 mg/ml) caused significant endothelial damage, unlike lower concentrations (1.0 mg/ml).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Corneal endothelium is crucial for maintaining corneal clarity and function.
- Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, including those affecting the eye.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the toxic effects of varying vancomycin concentrations on corneal endothelial function.
- To establish a dose-response relationship between vancomycin levels and endothelial toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit corneas were divided into four groups.
- Three groups were exposed to vancomycin concentrations of 1.0 mg/ml, 3.0 mg/ml, and 5.0 mg/ml.
- A weighing method measured endothelial function, comparing exposed corneas to a control group.
Main Results:
- Vancomycin at 1.0 mg/ml did not significantly alter endothelial function.
- Significant endothelial weight increase, indicating toxicity, was observed at 3.0 mg/ml and 5.0 mg/ml vancomycin concentrations.
- A dose-dependent toxicity was evident, with greater damage at 5.0 mg/ml compared to 3.0 mg/ml.
Conclusions:
- A clear dose-response relationship exists between vancomycin concentration and corneal endothelial toxicity.
- Vancomycin at 1.0 mg/ml is considered non-toxic to the corneal endothelium.
- Concentrations of 3.0 mg/ml and 5.0 mg/ml of vancomycin progressively impair corneal endothelial function.